Equipment retention system

ABSTRACT

A retention system for equipment includes a base plate assembly and an adapter assembly securable to the equipment. The adapter assembly includes an interface includes having a locking recess. The base plate assembly includes a base plate and an adapter assembly guide adjacent the base plate for receiving the interface therein thereby coupling the adapter assembly with the base plate assembly. The base plate assembly further includes a locking mechanism movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking mechanism in the engaged position engages the locking recess of the interface, thereby locking the adapter assembly with the base plate assembly. The locking mechanism in the disengaged position disengages from the locking recess of the interface, thereby unlocking the adapter assembly from the base plate assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/143,952, which was filed Dec. 30, 2013 and claimed allavailable benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/848,641 filed Jan. 8, 2013, and all benefit as acontinuation-in-part application, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of U.S.D685,051 filed Jan. 12, 2012, and U.S. D695,870 filed May 13, 2013. Bythis reference, the full disclosures of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/848,641 and patent numbers U.S. D685,051 andU.S. D695,870 are incorporated herein as though now set forth in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a retention system and moreparticularly, to a retention system for securing equipment such aspistols, rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, mechanical breaching tools,radios and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tactical operators, soldiers, and law enforcement personnel requireretention systems for their equipment including weapons such as rifles,pistols and shotguns. These retention systems must securely hold theirequipment preventing loss and, in the case of weapons, accidentaldischarge while the tactical operators, soldiers, and law enforcementpersonnel are performing ordinary movements, and also when engaged invarious physical activities such as running, jumping, or restrainingpersons. In addition, the retention systems must be difficult for anunauthorized user to remove the equipment, while still allowing theequipment to be easily accessed, rapidly withdrawn, and deployed.

In the field of weapon retention, there currently exist various types ofholsters and retention systems to secure weapons. These retentionsystems typically are molded to fit a particular weapon and secure theweapon using friction and a locking mechanism. The friction and lockingmechanism secure the weapon and help to prevent the unauthorized removalof the weapon while also allowing rapid deployment of the weapon. Whileeffective in securing specific weapons, these retention systemstypically are not interchangeable among different weapons because theyconform in shape and size to a specific weapon and therefore cannot beused with different weapons.

While weapon specific retention systems operate adequately, a retentionsystem interchangeable among different weapons as well as usable withdifferent pieces of equipment provides desirable versatility to tacticaloperators, soldiers, and law enforcement personnel. Illustratively,modern firearms may be accessorized with various devices such as lights,lasers, and optics. However, an accessorized weapon may no longer fit inits specific retention system resulting in the necessity of procuring anew retention system conforming to the shape of the accessorized weapon.In addition, most retention systems currently available are notambidextrous. Accordingly, a retention system that is interchangeableamong weapons and equipment, ambidextrous, and usable with accessorieswould improve over current weapon and equipment specific retentionsystems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A retention system for equipment includes an adapter assembly and a baseplate assembly. The adapter assembly connects with equipment, whereasthe base plate assembly attaches to an object or person. The adapterassembly removably couples with the base plate assembly to secure theequipment to an object or person having the base plate assembly thereon.

The adapter assembly includes an interface having a first end and asecond end that tapers from the first end to the second end such thatthe first end is wider than the second end. The interface may include alocking recess. The adapter assembly includes a clamp comprised of afirst clamp member adjustably securable to a second clamp member suchthat the first clamp member and the second clamp member are adapted toengage a device rail of equipment. The adapter assembly further includesan interface bracket coupled with the interface. The interface bracketis engageable with one of the first clamp member and the second clampmember, thereby making the adapter assembly ambidextrous. The firstclamp member includes a main body having at least one lug slot on anupper surface thereof and a rail facilitating the attachment of devicesthereto and a jaw engageable with a device rail of equipment. The secondclamp member includes a main body adjustably securable with the mainbody of the first clamp member and a jaw engageable with a device railof equipment.

The base plate assembly includes a base plate and an adapter assemblyguide adjacent the base plate for receiving therein the interface of theadapter assembly. The base plate includes threaded rivets therein thatfacilitate securing of the base plate assembly with devices adapted forattachment to an object or a wearer of the retention system. The baseplate may include a plunger channel, a locking assembly channelcommunicating with the plunger channel, and an aperture communicatingwith the locking assembly channel. The adapter assembly guide includes afirst guide rail having a first portion and a second portion opposed toa second guide rail having a first portion and a second portion. Thefirst and second guide rails are spaced apart at their first portionswider than the interface of the adapter assembly to facilitate insertionof the interface between the first and second guide rails. The first andsecond guide rails taper along their second portions and are spacedapart at their second portions substantially the same as the width ofthe interface of the adapter assembly such that the first and secondguide rails engage the interface thereby coupling the adapter assemblywith the base plate assembly. The first and second guide rails eachdefine a groove that engages the interface of the adapter assembly tomaintain the adapter assembly seated between the first and second guiderails. The adapter assembly guide includes a stop that arrests theinsertion of the interface of the adapter assembly therein.

The base plate assembly may further include a locking mechanism movablebetween an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lockingmechanism in the engaged position engages the locking recess of theinterface, thereby locking the adapter assembly with the base plateassembly. The locking mechanism in the disengaged position disengagesfrom the locking recess of the interface, thereby unlocking the adapterassembly from the base plate assembly.

The locking mechanism includes a locking assembly disposed in thelocking assembly channel and biased to extend through the aperture suchthat the locking assembly engages the locking recess of the interface.The insertion of the interface of the adapter assembly into the adapterassembly guide depresses the locking assembly until the locking recessof the interface aligns with the aperture of the base plate. The lockingassembly includes a hinge pin, a latch pivotable about the hinge pin,and a biasing member that biases the latch to extend through theaperture such that the latch engages the locking recess of theinterface.

The locking mechanism further includes a plunger communicating with thelocking assembly. The plunger is disposed in the plunger channel andextends therefrom. Movement of the plunger moves the locking assemblyfrom the aperture such that the locking assembly disengages from thelocking recess of the interface. The plunger includes a ward engagementkey and the plunger channel includes a ward that limits the movement ofthe plunger relative to the locking assembly. A back plate securablewith the base plate maintains the plunger within the plunger channel andthe locking assembly within the locking assembly channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view in perspective illustrating a base plate assemblyfor a retention system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the base plate assembly for theretention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view in perspective illustrating a base plate for theretention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating the base plate for the retentionsystem according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the base plate for the retentionsystem according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a back view in perspective illustrating the base plateassembly for the retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded back view in perspective illustrating the baseplate assembly for the retention system according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a back view in perspective illustrating the base plate for theretention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a back view illustrating the base plate for the retentionsystem according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a plunger and a locking assembly forthe retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the plunger and the lockingassembly for the retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view in perspective illustrating a base plateassembly for a retention system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the rail adapter assembly forthe retention system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating the rail adapter assembly for theretention system according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may beexaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.

FIGS. 1-14 illustrate a first embodiment of a retention system 10 for apiece of equipment such as a weapon including but not limited topistols, rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, and the like, wherein FIGS.1-11 illustrate a base plate assembly 20 of the retention system 10 andFIGS. 12-14 illustrate a rail adapter assembly 150 of the retentionsystem 10. The base plate assembly 20 and the rail adapter assembly 150are designed to integrate with each other and provide modularity,security, and the ability to service both right handed and left handedusers. The rail adapter assembly 150 provides modularity andadaptability in that it attaches to any suitable piece of equipment suchas a weapon platform and is configurable for both right handed and lefthanded users. The base plate assembly 20 receives the rail adapterassembly 150 therein and attaches to a user's body at a variety oflocations to secure the rail adapter assembly 150 and thus the user'sdevice to the user. The base plate assembly 20 further includes alocking mechanism for securing the rail adapter assembly 150 with thebase plate assembly 20.

The base plate assembly 20 includes a base plate 30, substantiallyrectangular in the present embodiment, and having a front 31, a back 32,a top 33, a bottom 34, a right side 35, and a left side 36; a railadapter assembly guide 40; a plunger 90; a locking assembly 100; and aback plate 88.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the rail adapter assembly guide 40 residesat the front 31 of the base plate 30 and includes guide rails 41 and 42defining a guide channel 43 and a guide surface 44. The rail adapterassembly guide 40 further includes a stop 45 at a lower end thereofbetween the guide rails 41 and 42. The guide surface 44 includes anaperture 39 therethrough that allows the locking assembly 100 to engagethe rail adapter assembly 150. The guide rails 41 and 42 include grooves46 and 47, respectively, provided to engage the rail adapter assembly150. In the present embodiment, the guide rails 41 and 42 are shaped toform a funnel that is wide near the top 33 of the base plate 30 andtapers as it approaches the bottom 34 of the base plate 30. The funnelshape of the guide rails 41 and 42 as well as the grooves 46 and 47direct the rail adapter assembly 150 towards the aperture 39 in order toallow a user of the retention system 10 to rapidly secure a weapon orthe like to the base plate assembly 20 through tactile feel as will beexplained in greater detail herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base plate 30 at the back 32thereof includes a plunger channel 50, a locking assembly channel 60, aback plate groove 70, and bores 71-82. The plunger channel 50 receivesthe plunger 90 therein and is designed to allow the plunger 90 to movewithin the plunger channel 50 along a central axis of the plungerchannel 50. Although the shape of the plunger channel 50 allows theplunger 90 to move, the plunger channel includes a ward 51 that limitsthe movement of the plunger 90 to prevent damage to the plunger 90 aswell as to the locking assembly 100.

The locking assembly channel 60 includes a hinge cavity 61 and a latchcavity 62 communicating with the aperture 39. The locking assemblychannel 60 receives the locking assembly 100 therein such that thelocking assembly 100 extends through the aperture 39 and engages therail adapter assembly 150.

The bores 71-82 in the preferred embodiment have rivets press fittherein. The rivets are threaded to allow coupling of the base plateassembly 20 with various attachment devices. Illustratively, mollystraps securable to a variety of surfaces such as tactical vests orbelts may be attached to the base plate 30.

In the present embodiment, the base plate 30 and the rail adapterassembly guide 40 are formed integrally from any suitable material, suchas plastic or metal, and formed using any suitable method such asmilling or injection molding. In particular, the base plate 30 and therail adapter assembly guide 40 in the preferred embodiment are milled asone piece from Delrin®. Nevertheless, those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the base plate 30 and the rail adapter assemblyguide 40 could be formed separately and combined.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the back plate 88 maintains the plunger 90 withinthe plunger channel 50 and the locking assembly 100 within the lockingassembly channel 60. The back plate 88 is placed within the back plategroove 70 over the plunger channel 50 and the locking assembly channel60 such that the plunger 90 remains seated within the plunger channel 50and the locking assembly 100 remains seated within the locking assemblychannel 60. The back plate 88 secures to the base plate 20 using anysuitable means such as screws placed within threaded apertures 83-87located at the back plate groove 70. The back plate 88 may beconstructed from any suitable material such as Delrin®, however, theback plate 88 in the present embodiment is aluminum.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the plunger 90 and the locking assembly 100.The locking assembly 100 of the base plate assembly 20 includes a latch101, a hinge pin 103, and a biasing member 106, which in the presentembodiment is a spring. The latch 101 includes a hinge 102, a lockingnotch 104, a biasing member interface 105, and a tab interface 107. Thelatch 101 and the hinge pin 103 can be made of any suitable material butin the present embodiment is made from aluminum. The latch 101 resideswithin the latch cavity 62 of the locking assembly channel 60 such thatthe tab interface 107 faces the plunger channel 50 and the locking notch104 aligns with and extends through the aperture 39. In addition, afirst end of the biasing member 106 resides within the locking assemblychannel 60 and against the back plate 88, while a second end of thebiasing member 106 engages the biasing member interface 105 of the latch101. The biasing member 106 accordingly maintains the locking notch 104extended through the aperture 39 in an engagement position, whereby thelocking notch 104 engages the rail adapter assembly 150 to preventunauthorized removal of a device such as a weapon or the like. The hingepin 103 is placed through the hinge 102 and both the hinge pin 103 andthe hinge 102 reside within the hinge cavity 61 of the locking assemblychannel 60 and against the back plate 88 in order to allow the rotationof the latch 101 between engaged and disengaged positions.

The plunger 90 includes an actuator 91, a shaft 92, and a release tab93. The plunger 90 may be constructed from any suitable material,however, the plunger 90 in the present embodiment is aluminum. The shaft92 seats within the plunger channel 50 and includes a ward engagementkey 96 that engages the ward 51 of the plunger channel 50. The design ofthe ward 51 and the ward engagement key 96 allows movement of theplunger 90 along the central axis of the plunger channel 50 but preventsthe plunger 90 from stressing the locking assembly 100 or beinginadvertently removed from the base plate 30. The release tab 93 of theplunger 90 directly engages the tab interface 107 of the lockingassembly 100. The actuator 91 extends beyond the plunger channel 50 andallows a user to press the plunger 90 such that the plunger 90 via therelease tab 93 moves the locking assembly 100 from an engaged to adisengaged position. Release of the actuator allows the biasing member106 to return the locking assembly 100 to its engaged position.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the base plate assembly 20 of the retentionsystem 10 assembles. Threaded rivets are press fit into the bores 71-82of the base plate 30 to allow coupling of the base plate assembly 20with attachment devices. The hinge pin 103 slides through and fitswithin the hinge 102 of the latch 101, and the release tab 93 of theplunger 90 engages the tab interface 107 of the latch 101 such that theplunger 90 interfaces with the locking assembly 100. The plunger 90 andthe latch 101 including the hinge pin 103 are placed respectively withinthe plunger channel 50 and the locking assembly channel 60. The plunger90 is oriented within the plunger channel 50 such that the actuator 91resides adjacent the top 33 of the base plate 30 and extends beyond theplunger channel 50. Furthermore, the ward engagement key 96 of the shaft92 fits within the plunger channel 50 around the ward 51. The latch 101is oriented within the locking assembly channel 60 such that the hinge102 and the hinge pin 103 reside within the hinge cavity 61, and thelocking notch 104 of the latch 101 resides within the latch cavity 62aligned with and extending through the aperture 39. At this point, theplunger 90 and the latch 101 reside respectively within the plungerchannel 50 and the locking assembly channel 60 and interface at therelease tab 93 and the tab interface 107.

The biasing member 106 is then placed within the locking assemblychannel 60 with its second end engaged with the biasing member interface105 of the latch 101 and its first end facing the back plate groove 70.The back plate 88 inserts within the back plate groove 70 such that theback plate 88 resides over the plunger 90, the latch 101, the hinge 102,and the first end of the biasing member 106. The back plate 88 securesto the base plate 30 using any suitable means such as screws placedwithin the threaded apertures 83-87.

Once the back plate 88 connects to the base plate 30, the lockingassembly 100 is complete, and the biasing member 106 maintains thelocking notch 104 extended through the aperture 39 in the engagementposition, whereby the locking notch 104 engages the rail adapterassembly 150 to prevent unauthorized removal of a device such as aweapon and the like. In addition, the actuator 91 extends beyond theplunger channel 50 and allows a user to press the plunger 90 such thatthe plunger 90 via the release tab 93 moves the locking assembly 100from its engaged position to its disengaged position. Release of theactuator 91 allows the biasing member 106 to return the locking assembly100 from its disengaged position to its engaged position.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the rail adapter assembly 150 of the retentionsystem 10. The rail adapter assembly 150 mounts to any suitable railsystem for a piece of equipment. Illustratively, the rail adapterassembly 150 mounts to an accessory rail of a weapon such as rifle orpistol such that interfacing of the rail adapter assembly 150 with thebase plate assembly 20 secures the weapon to a user. The rail adapterassembly 150 may be constructed from any suitable material such asaluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber.

The rail adapter assembly 150 includes a clamp 160 and an interfaceassembly 190. The interface assembly 190 includes an interface 191 andan interface bracket 192. The clamp includes a first clamp member 161and a second clamp member 162. The first clamp member 161 includes amain body 163 having lug slots 170-172 on an upper surface 180 thereofand attachment points on first and second sides 181 and 182 thereof. Themain body 163 further includes a jaw 164 integral therewith at the firstside 181, a rail 165 integral therewith with at a bottom 183 thereof,and a clamp member support 166 integral therewith at the second side182. The second clamp member 162 includes a main body 167 having at afirst side 184 recessed apertures 174 and 175 therethrough andattachment points 176 and 177. The main body 167 further includes a jaw169 integral therewith at the first side 184 and a second side 185.While the first and second clamp members 161 and 162 may be constructedfrom any suitable material including carbon fiber, the clamp members inthe present embodiment are aluminum. In addition, the attachment pointsin the present embodiment are holes drilled and tapped, although, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize alternative attachment pointsand methods.

The attachment points on the first side 181 of the first clamp member161 and the attachment points 176 and 177 of the second clamp member 162are designed to receive screws that allow the attachment of theinterface assembly 190 to the main body 163 of the first clamp member161 or the main body 167 of the second clamp member 162. The clampmember support 166 of the first clamp member 161 is a bracket thatreceives and supports the second clamp member 162 when the second clampmember 162 attaches to the main body 163 of the first clamp member 161.The second clamp member 162 resides atop the clamp member support 166and attaches to the main body 163 of the first clamp member 161 usingany suitable means. However, in the present embodiment, the second clampmember 162 attaches to the main body 163 of the first clamp member 161using screws placed within and extending through the recessed apertures174 and 175 such that the screws engage the attachment points located onthe second side 182 of the main body 163 for the first clamp member 161.

As stated above, the clamp 160 is designed to integrate with a commondevice rail such as a picatinny or weaver type rail. Accordingly, thejaw 164 of the first clamp member 161 includes a groove 178 and the jaw165 the second clamp member 162 includes a groove 179 designed toreceive therein the device rail of a piece of equipment. Furthermore,the second clamp member 162 is adjustable relative to the main body 163of the first clamp member 161 between a disengaged position and anengaged position, whereby the clamp 160 secures to the device rail. Inaddition, the lug slots 170-172 are designed to receive and secure a lug173 to the first clamp member 161. The lug 173 fits within the slots ofa device rail and allows fore and aft adjustment on the device rail aswell as prevents fore and aft movement of the rail adapter assembly 150when the rail adapter assembly 150 is attached a piece of equipment.

The rail adapter assembly 150 attaches to a piece of equipment in orderto interface the piece of equipment with the base plate assembly 20 andallow the piece of equipment to be secured to a user. The rail adapterassembly 150 attaches to a device rail of the piece of equipment and, assuch, precludes the use of other devices such as flashlights, laser, andthe like. Accordingly, the first clamp member 161 includes the rail 165for the purpose of providing a device attachment point. The rail 165 ofthe first clamp member 161 therefore allows devices such as lasers,lights, and the like to be attached to the rail adapter assembly 150.The rail 165 of the first clamp member 161 may be any suitable railsystem adapted for the securing of devices to the rail adapter assembly150. In the present embodiment, the rail 165 comprises a picatinny rail,however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize any othersuitable rail such as a weaver type rail.

The interface 191 and the interface bracket 192 of the interfaceassembly 190 in the present embodiment are formed integrally from anysuitable material, such as plastic or metal, and manufactured using anysuitable method such as milling or injection molding. In particular, theinterface 191 and the interface bracket 192 are milled as one piece fromaluminum. Nevertheless, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the interface 191 and the interface bracket 192 could beformed separately and combined.

The interface 191 includes a first end 193, a second end 194, and firstand second sides 195 and 196. In the present embodiment, the second end194 incorporates a curved surface to facilitate insertion of theinterface 191 into the guide channel 43. The interface 191 furtherincludes a guide face 197 and a platform face 198. The guide face 197includes a locking recess 199 and a recessed aperture 200. The lockingrecess 199 is designed to receive the locking notch 104 of the lockingassembly 100 therein and allow the locking notch 104 to achieve itsengagement position.

The interface 191 in the present embodiment is triangular in shape andengages the guide channel 43 of the rail adapter assembly guide 40 usinga tongue and groove method. The triangular shape of the interface 191produces a taper from the first end 193 to the second end 194 and allowsa user to guide the interface 191 and therefore the rail adapterassembly 150 into the rail adapter assembly guide 40 of the base plateassembly 20 for securing thereto. In particular, the first and secondsides 195 and 196 slide within and engage the grooves 46 and 47 of theguide rails 41 and 42. The interface 191 inserts into the rail adapterassembly guide 40 until the second end 194 abuts the stop 45 of the railadapter assembly guide 40. Furthermore, the guide face 197 abuts theguide surface 44 such that the guide face 197 moves the locking notch104 of the locking assembly 100 into its disengaged position andmaintains the locking notch 104 disengaged position until the interface191 seats within the rail adapter assembly guide 40. Once the interface191 seats completely within the rail adapter assembly guide 40, thelocking recess 199 resides over the locking notch 104 of the lockingassembly 100, which allows the biasing member 106 to bias the lockingnotch 104 into its engaged position within the locking recess 199. Thelocking notch 104 accordingly engages the locking recess 199, therebylocking the rail adapter assembly 150 to the base plate assembly 20.

In addition to engaging the guide channel 43, the interface 191 alsoprovides a user with a support platform. Illustratively, when the railadapter assembly 150 is attached to a weapon, such as a pistol, thefirst side 195, the second side 196, and the guide face 197 of theinterface 191 provide surfaces for a user to rest their thumb whenengaging targets with the pistol. For example, a right hand user placestheir thumb on the first side 195 and applies a downward force therebyenhancing recoil control and producing better accuracy when engagingmultiple targets.

The interface bracket 192 includes a main body 186 having a recessedaperture 201. The interface bracket 192 further includes a platform 202formed integrally between the main body 186 and the platform face 198 inorder to integrate the interface bracket 192 with the interface 191. Inthe present embodiment, the interface assembly 190 is designed for usein either a right hand or a left hand configuration in that theinterface assembly 190 attaches to either the first clamp member 161 orthe second clamp member 162. Accordingly, the interface 191 includes therecessed aperture 200 and the interface bracket 192 includes therecessed aperture 201. In a right hand configuration, the interfaceassembly 190 is placed adjacent the first clamp member 161 and securedto the first clamp member 161 using any suitable means. In the presentembodiment, however, the interface assembly 190 attaches to the mainbody 163 of the first clamp member 161 using screws placed within andextending through the recessed apertures 201 and 202 such that thescrews engage the attachment points located on the first side 181 of themain body 163 for the first clamp member 161. In a left handconfiguration, the interface assembly 190 is placed adjacent the secondclamp member 162 and secured to the second clamp member 162 using anysuitable means. In the present embodiment, however, the interfaceassembly 190 attaches to the main body 167 of the second clamp member162 using screws placed within and extending through the recessedapertures 201 and 202 such that the screws engage attachment points 176and 177 located on the first side 184 of the main body 167 for thesecond clamp member 162.

To aid in the understanding of the present invention, the retentionsystem 10 will be described herein used in combination with a weapon, inparticular a pistol. A user begins by coupling the base plate assembly20 with an attachment device such as molly straps. The user couples thebase plate assembly 20 to the molly straps by placing screws into thethreaded rivets within the bores 71-82. The base plate assembly 20 viathe coupled molly straps is then attached to a suitable surface on theuser such as a belt or tactical vest.

A user next attaches the clamp 160 to a device rail of a pistol. Theuser selects a lug slot 170-172 of the first clamp member 161 andsecures the lug 173 therein. As previously described, the second clampmember 162 resides atop the clamp member support 167 and attaches to thefirst clamp member 161 using screws placed within and extending throughthe recessed apertures 174 and 175 such that the screws engage theattachment points located on the second side 182 of the main body 163for the first clamp member 161. While the second clamp member 162 andthe first clamp member 161 couple together, it should be noted that, atthis point, the second clamp member 162 begins in a disengaged positionrelative to the first clamp member 161. In the disengaged position, thescrews remain untightened, and the second clamp member 162 movesrelative to the first clamp member 161 in order to allow adjustabilitywhen securing the clamp 160 on the device rail. A user aligns the clamp160 of the rail adapter assembly 150 with the device rail of the pistolsuch that the groove 178 of the first clamp member 161 aligns with afirst side of the device rail and the groove 179 of the second clampmember 162 aligns with a second side of the device rail. In addition,the user selects a slot on the device rail and places the lug 173 withinthe slot. The user then moves the second clamp member 162 into itsengaged position by tightening the screws, resulting in the jaw 164 ofthe first clamp member 161 engaging the first side of the device railand the jaw 169 of the second clamp member 162 engaging the second sideof the device rail. In the engaged position of the second clamp member162, the clamp 160 remains secured to the device rail of the pistol,while the lug 173 prevents fore or aft movement of the clamp 160 alongthe device rail. While the foregoing example employs the lug 173inserted into a slot of the device rail for the pistol, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the lug 173 may be removed from theclamp 160 for device rails without slots.

The user next selects either a right hand or a left hand configurationfor the rail adapter assembly 150. A right hand configuration entailssecuring the interface assembly 160 to the first clamp member 161 asillustrated in FIGS. 12-14. In the right hand configuration, the userplaces the interface assembly 190 adjacent the first clamp member 161and attaches the interface assembly 190 to the first clamp member 161using screws placed within and extending through the recessed apertures201 and 202 such that the screws engage the attachment points located onthe first side 181 of the main body 163 for the first clamp member 161.A left hand configuration entails securing the interface assembly 160 tothe second clamp member 162. In the left hand configuration, the userplaces the interface assembly 190 adjacent the second clamp member 162and attaches the interface assembly 190 to the second clamp member 162using screws placed within and extending through the recessed apertures201 and 202 such that the screws engage attachment points 176 and 177located on the first side 184 of the main body 167 for the second clampmember 162.

Once the rail adapter assembly 150 is secured to the device rail of thepistol, the rail adapter assembly 150 as well as the pistol is ready forsecuring with the base plate assembly 20. The user grasps the pistol andpositions the rail adapter assembly 150 such that the second end 194 ofthe interface 191 aligns with the guide channel 43 of the rail adapterassembly guide 40 and the guide face 197 of the interface 191 alignswith the guide surface 44. After alignment, the user exerts a pushingforce on the attached pistol in a direction along the central axis ofthe base plate 30. This pushing force moves the first and second sides195 and 196 of the interface 191 into engagement with the grooves 46 and47 of the guide rails 41 and 42, thereby inserting the interface 191into the rail adapter assembly guide 40. The interface 191 inserts intothe rail adapter assembly guide 40 until the second end 194 abuts thestop 45 of the rail adapter assembly guide 40. Furthermore, the guideface 197 abuts the guide surface 44 such that the guide face 197 movesthe locking notch 104 of the locking assembly 100 into its disengagedposition and maintains the locking notch 104 disengaged until theinterface 191 seats completely within the rail adapter assembly guide40. Once the interface 191 seats completely within the rail adapterassembly guide 40, the locking recess 199 resides over the locking notch104 of the locking assembly 100, which allows the biasing member 106 tobias the locking notch 104 into its engaged position within the lockingrecess 199. The locking notch 104 accordingly engages the locking recess199, thereby locking the rail adapter assembly 150 and thus the pistolto the base plate assembly 20.

To remove the rail adapter assembly 150 as well as the pistol from thebase plate assembly 20, the user presses the actuator 91 of the plunger90 into the plunger channel 50. Pressing of the actuator 91 moves thelocking assembly 100 from an engaged to a disengaged position. Inparticular, the plunger 90 via the release tab 93 rotates the latch 101such that the latch 101 overcomes the force of the biasing member 106and disengages the locking notch 104 from the locking recess 199,thereby unlocking the rail adapter assembly 150 from the base plateassembly 20. After the locking assembly 100 moves into a disengagedposition, the rail adapter assembly 150 is ready to be removed from thebase plate assembly 20. The user exerts a pulling force on the attachedpistol in a direction along the central axis of the base plate 30. Thisforce moves the rail adapter assembly 150 such that the first and secondsides 195 and 196 of the interface 191 slide within the grooves 46 and47 of the guide rails 41 and 42 until the second end 194 clears theguide channel 43. As the user begins removing the pistol, the lockingrecess 199 no longer aligns with the locking notch 104, and the guideface 197 maintains the locking notch 104 disengaged. The useraccordingly releases the actuator 91, and, once the second end 194clears the guide channel 43, the pistol along with the attached railadapter assembly 150 separates from the base plate assembly 20 fortarget engagement. The biasing member 106 returns the locking assembly100 to its engaged position when the rail adapter assembly 150 separatesfrom the base plate assembly 20.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a retention system 300 according to a secondembodiment. The retention system 300 includes a base plate assembly 301and a rail adapter assembly 302. Referring specifically to FIG. 15, thebase plate assembly 301 is substantially similar to base plate assembly20 of the retention system 10. However, the base plate assembly 301 doesnot positively engage the rail adapter assembly 302. As such, the baseplate assembly 301 does not incorporate a plunger channel 50, a lockingassembly channel 60, a locking assembly 100, a back plate groove 70, anaperture 39, a plunger 90, and a back plate 88.

The base plate assembly 301 includes a base plate 305, substantiallyrectangular in the present embodiment, and having a front 310, a back311, a top 312, a bottom 313, a right side 314, and a left side 315. Thebase plate 305 at the back 311 includes bores that, in the presentembodiment have rivets press fit therein. The rivets are threaded toallow coupling of the base plate assembly 301 with various attachmentdevices. Illustratively, molly straps securable to a variety of surfacessuch as tactical vests or belts may be attached to the base plate 305.

The base plate assembly 301 further includes a rail adapter assemblyguide 306 residing at the front 310 of the base plate 305. The railadapter assembly guide 306 includes guide rails 341 and 342 defining aguide channel 343 and a guide surface 344. The rail adapter assemblyguide 306 further includes a stop 345 at a lower end thereof between theguide rails 341 and 342. The guide rails 341 and 342 include grooves 346and 347, respectively, provided to engage the rail adapter assembly 302.In the present embodiment, the guide rails 341 and 342 are shaped toform a funnel that is wide near the top 312 of the base plate 305 andtapers as it approaches the bottom 313 of the base plate 305. The funnelshape of the guide rails 341 and 342 as well as the grooves 346 and 347direct the rail adapter assembly 302 into the rail adapter assemblyguide 306 in order to allow a user of the retention system 300 torapidly secure a weapon or the like to the base plate assembly 301through tactile feel as will be explained in greater detail herein.

The rail adapter assembly 302 mounts to any suitable rail system for apiece of equipment. Illustratively, the rail adapter assembly 302 mountsto an accessory rail of a rifle such that interfacing of the railadapter assembly 302 with the base plate assembly 301 secures the rifleto a user. The rail adapter assembly 302 may be constructed from anysuitable material such as aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber.

The rail adapter assembly 302 includes a clamp 360 and an interfaceassembly 390. The clamp includes a first clamp member 361 and a secondclamp member 362. The first clamp member 361 includes a main body 363having lug slots 370-372 on an upper surface 380 thereof and attachmentpoints on a first and second sides 381 and 382 thereof. The main body363 further includes a jaw 364 integral therewith at the first side 381,an interface assembly 390 integral therewith with at a bottom 383thereof, and a clamp member support 366 integral therewith at the secondside 382. The interface assembly 390 includes an interface 391 and aninterface bracket 392. The second clamp member 362 includes a main body367 having a jaw 369 integral therewith at a first side 384 and recessedapertures 376 and 377 and attachment points at a second side 385. Whilethe first and second clamp members 361 and 362 may be constructed fromany suitable material including carbon fiber, the clamp members in thepresent embodiment are aluminum. In addition, the attachment points inthe present embodiment are holes drilled and tapped, although, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize alternative attachment pointsand methods.

The clamp member support 366 of the first clamp member 361 is a bracketthat receives and supports the second clamp member 362 when the secondclamp member 362 attaches to the main body 363 of the first clamp member361. The second clamp member 362 resides atop the clamp member support366 and attaches to the main body 363 of the first clamp member 361using any suitable means. However, in the present embodiment, the secondclamp member 362 attaches to the main body 363 of the first clamp member361 using screws placed within and extending through the recessedapertures 376 and 377 such that the screws engage the attachment pointslocated on the second side 382 of the main body 363 for the first clampmember 361.

As stated above, the clamp 360 is designed to integrate with a commondevice rail such as a picatinny or weaver type rail. Accordingly, thejaw 364 of the first clamp member 361 includes a groove 378 and the jaw365 the second clamp member 362 includes a groove 379 designed toreceive therein the device rail of a piece of equipment. Furthermore,the second clamp member 362 is adjustable relative to the main body 363of the first clamp member 361 between a disengaged position and anengaged position, whereby the clamp 360 secures to the device rail. Inaddition, the lug slots 370-372 are designed to receive and secure a lug373 to the first clamp member 361. The lug 373 fits within the slots ofa device rail and allows fore and aft adjustment on the device rail aswell as prevents fore and aft movement of the rail adapter assembly 302when the rail adapter assembly 302 is attached a piece of equipment.

The interface 391 and the interface bracket 392 of the interfaceassembly 390 in the present embodiment are formed integrally with thefirst clamp member 361 from any suitable material, such as plastic ormetal, and manufactured using any suitable method such as milling orinjection molding. In particular, the interface 391, the interfacebracket 392, and the first clamp member 361 are milled as one piece fromaluminum. Nevertheless, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the interface 391, the interface bracket 392, and thefirst clamp member 361 could be formed separately and combined.

The interface 391 includes a first end 393, a second end 394, and firstand second sides 395 and 396. In the present embodiment, the second end394 incorporates a curved surface to facilitate insertion of theinterface 391 into the rail adapter assembly guide 306. The interface391 further includes a guide face 397 and a platform face 398.

The interface 391 in the present embodiment is triangular in shape andengages the rail adapter assembly guide 306 using a tongue and groovemethod. The triangular shape of the interface 391 produces a taper fromthe first end 393 to the second end 394 and allows a user to guide theinterface 391 and therefore the rail adapter assembly 302 into the railadapter assembly guide 306 of the base plate assembly 301 for securingthereto. In particular, the first and second sides 395 and 396 slidewithin and engage the grooves 346 and 347 of the guide rails 341 and342. The interface 391 inserts into the rail adapter assembly guide 306until the second end 394 abuts the stop 345 of the rail adapter assemblyguide 306.

To aid in the understanding of the present invention, the retentionsystem 300 will be described herein used in combination with a weapon,in particular a rifle. A user begins by coupling the base plate assembly301 with an attachment device such as molly straps. The user couples thebase plate assembly 301 to the molly straps by placing screws into thethreaded rivets within the bores located at the back thereof. The baseplate assembly 301 via the coupled molly straps is then attached to asuitable surface on the user such as a belt or tactical vest.

A user next attaches the clamp 360 to a device rail of a rifle. The userselects a lug slot 370-372 of the first clamp member 361 and secures thelug 373 therein. As previously described, the second clamp member 362resides atop the clamp member support 367 and attaches to the firstclamp member 361 using screws placed within and extending through therecessed apertures 376 and 377 such that the screws engage theattachment points located on the second side 382 of the main body 363for the first clamp member 361. While the second clamp member 362 andthe first clamp member 361 couple together, it should be noted that, atthis point, the second clamp member 362 begins in a disengaged positionrelative to the first clamp member 361. In the disengaged position, thescrews remain untightened, and the second clamp member 362 movesrelative to the first clamp member 361 in order to allow adjustabilitywhen securing the clamp 360 on the device rail. A user aligns the clamp360 of the rail adapter assembly 302 with the device rail of the riflesuch that the groove 378 of the first clamp member 361 aligns with afirst side of the device rail and the groove 379 of the second clampmember 362 aligns with a second side of the device rail. In addition,the user selects a slot on the device rail and places the lug 373 withinthe slot. The user then moves the second clamp member 362 into itsengaged position by tightening the screws, resulting in the jaw 364 ofthe first clamp member 361 engaging the first side of the device railand the jaw 369 of the second clamp member 362 engaging the second sideof the device rail. In the engaged position of the second clamp member362, the clamp 360 remains secured to the device rail of the rifle,while the lug 373 prevents fore or aft movement of the clamp 360 alongthe device rail. While the foregoing example employs the lug 373inserted into a slot of the device rail for the rifle, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the lug 373 may be removed from theclamp 360 for device rails without slots.

Once the rail adapter assembly 302 is secured to the device rail of therifle, the rail adapter assembly 302 as well as the rifle is ready forsecuring with the base plate assembly 301. The user grasps the rifle andpositions the rail adapter assembly 301 such that the second end 394 ofthe interface 391 aligns with the guide channel 343 of the rail adapterassembly guide 340 and the guide face 397 of the interface 391 alignswith the guide surface 344. After alignment, the user exerts a pushingforce on the attached rifle in a direction along the central axis of thebase plate 305. This pushing force moves the first and second sides 395and 396 of the interface 391 into engagement with the grooves 346 and347 of the guide rails 341 and 342, thereby inserting the interface 391into the rail adapter assembly guide 340. The interface 391 inserts intothe rail adapter assembly guide 340 until the second end 394 abuts thestop 345 of the rail adapter assembly guide 40 thereby attaching therail adapter assembly 302 and thus the rifle to the base plate assembly301.

To remove the rail adapter assembly 302 as well as the rifle from thebase plate assembly 301, the user exerts a pulling force on the attachedrifle in a direction along the central axis of the base plate 305. Thisforce moves the rail adapter assembly 302 such that the first and secondsides 395 and 396 of the interface 391 slide within the grooves 346 and347 of the guide rails 341 and 342 until the second end 394 clears theguide channel 343.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposesonly and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees willfall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly,is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description;rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A retention system for equipment, comprising: anadapter assembly securable to equipment, the adapter assembly comprisingan interface having a locking recess; a base plate assembly, comprising:a base plate, an adapter assembly guide adjacent the base plate whereinthe adapter assembly guide receives the interface therein therebycoupling the adapter assembly with the base plate assembly, and alocking mechanism coupled with the base plate, and being user movablefrom an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein, in theengaged position, the locking mechanism engages the locking recess ofthe interface, thereby locking the adapter assembly with the base plateassembly, and further wherein, when a user moves the locking mechanismto the disengaged position, the locking mechanism disengages from thelocking recess of the interface, thereby unlocking the adapter assemblyfrom the base plate assembly.
 33. The retention system for equipmentaccording to claim 32, wherein the adapter assembly further comprises: afastener adapted to engage equipment; and an interface bracket rigidlysecured with the interface, wherein the interface bracket rigidlyengages the fastener such that, after introduction of the interface intothe adapter assembly guide the equipment remains aligned with the baseplate assembly and is immovable relative thereto.
 34. The retentionsystem for equipment according to claim 32, wherein the adapter assemblyfurther comprises: a fastener adapted to engage equipment; and aninterface bracket coupled with the interface, the interface bracketbeing selectively engageable with a first side of the fastener and asecond side of the fastener, wherein the interface bracket is removablefrom the second side of the fastener and engageable with the first sideof the fastener for a right handed configuration, further wherein theinterface bracket is removable from the first side of the fastener andengageable with the second side of the fastener for a left handedconfiguration.
 35. The retention system for equipment according to claim32, wherein the base plate includes a plunger channel, a lockingassembly channel communicating with the plunger channel, and an aperturecommunicating with the locking assembly channel.
 36. The retentionsystem for equipment according to claim 35, wherein the lockingmechanism comprises: a locking assembly disposed in the locking assemblychannel and biased to extend through the aperture such that the lockingassembly engages the locking recess of the interface; and a plungercommunicating with the locking assembly, the plunger disposed in theplunger channel and extending therefrom, wherein movement of the plungermoves the locking assembly from the aperture such that the lockingassembly disengages from the locking recess of the interface.
 37. Theretention system for equipment according to claim 36, wherein insertionof the interface of the adapter assembly into the adapter assembly guidedepresses the locking assembly until the locking recess of the interfacealigns with the aperture of the base plate.
 38. The retention system forequipment according to claim 36, wherein the plunger includes a wardengagement key and the plunger channel includes a ward, further whereinthe ward limits the movement of the plunger relative to the lockingassembly.
 39. The retention system for equipment according to claim 36,wherein the locking assembly comprises: a hinge pin; a latch pivotableabout the hinge pin; and a biasing member that biases the latch toextend through the aperture such that the latch engages the lockingrecess of the interface, wherein movement of the plunger relative to thelatch overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member and moves thelatch from the aperture such that the latch disengages from the lockingrecess of the interface.
 40. The retention system for equipmentaccording to claim 36, wherein the base plate assembly further comprisesa back plate securable with the base plate to maintain the plungerwithin the plunger channel and the locking assembly within the lockingassembly channel.
 41. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 32, wherein the interface of the adapter assembly includes a firstend and a second end, wherein the interface tapers from the first end tothe second end such that the first end is wider than the second end. 42.The retention system for equipment according to claim 41, wherein theadapter assembly guide includes a first guide rail having a firstportion and a second portion opposed to a second guide rail having afirst portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second guiderails are spaced apart at their first portions wider than the interfaceof the adapter assembly to facilitate insertion of the interface betweenthe first and second guide rails, further wherein the first and secondguide rails taper along their second portions and are spaced apart attheir second portions substantially the same as the width of theinterface of the adapter assembly such that the first and second guiderails engage the interface thereby coupling the adapter assembly withthe base plate assembly.
 43. The retention system for equipmentaccording to claim 42, wherein the first and second guide rails eachdefine a groove that engages the interface of the adapter assembly tomaintain the adapter assembly seated between the first and second guiderails.
 44. The retention system for equipment according to claim 42,wherein the adapter assembly guide includes a stop that arrests theinsertion of the interface of the adapter assembly therein.
 45. Aretention system for equipment, comprising: an adapter assemblysecurable to equipment, the adapter assembly including a triangularshaped interface having a width and defining a base at a first upper endand a rounded apex at a second lower end, wherein the interface tapersfrom the first upper end to the second lower end such that the base atthe first upper end is wider than the rounded apex at the second lowerend, further wherein the rounded apex at the second end provides a pointof insertion for the interface; a base plate assembly, comprising: abase plate, and an adapter assembly guide adjacent the base plate forreceiving therein the interface of the adapter assembly, the adapterassembly guide including a first guide rail having a first upper portionand a second lower portion opposed to a second guide rail having a firstupper portion and a second lower portion, the first and second guiderails defining a funnel shape whereby their first upper portions taperto their second lower portions, wherein the first upper portions arewider than the base at the first upper end of the interface of theadapter assembly to provide an entrance for the rounded apex at thesecond lower end of the interface between the first and second guiderails and further to funnel the interface toward the second lowerportions whereby the interface due to the rounded apex at the secondlower end enters the second lower portions, further wherein the firstand second guide rails taper along their second lower portions and arespaced apart at their second lower portions substantially the same asthe width of the interface of the adapter assembly such that the firstand second guide rails engage the interface thereby coupling the adapterassembly with the base plate assembly.
 46. The retention system forequipment according to claim 45, wherein the first and second guiderails each define a groove that engages the interface of the adapterassembly to maintain the adapter assembly seated between the first andsecond guide rails.
 47. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 45, wherein the adapter assembly guide includes a stop thatarrests the insertion of the interface of the adapter assembly therein.48. The retention system for equipment according to claim 45, whereinthe adapter assembly further comprises: a fastener adapted to engageequipment; and an interface bracket rigidly secured with the interface,wherein the interface bracket rigidly engages the fastener such that,after introduction of the interface into the adapter assembly guide theequipment remains aligned with the base plate assembly and is immovablerelative thereto.
 49. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 45, wherein the adapter assembly further comprises: a fasteneradapted to engage equipment; and an interface bracket coupled with theinterface, the interface bracket being selectively engageable with afirst side of the fastener and a second side of the fastener, whereinthe interface bracket is removable from the second side of the fastenerand engageable with the first side of the fastener for a right handedconfiguration, further wherein the interface bracket is removable fromthe first side of the fastener and engageable with the second side ofthe fastener for a left handed configuration.
 50. A retention system forequipment, comprising: an adapter assembly securable to equipment, theadapter assembly comprising an interface; a base plate assembly,comprising: a base plate, an adapter assembly guide adjacent the baseplate wherein the adapter assembly guide receives the interface thereinthereby coupling the adapter assembly with the base plate assembly, anda locking mechanism coupled with the base plate, and being user movablefrom an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein, in theengaged position, the locking mechanism engages the interface, therebylocking the adapter assembly with the base plate assembly, and furtherwherein, when a user moves the locking mechanism to the disengagedposition, the locking mechanism disengages from the interface, therebyunlocking the adapter assembly from the base plate assembly.
 51. Theretention system for equipment according to claim 50, wherein theadapter assembly further comprises: a fastener adapted to engageequipment; and an interface bracket rigidly secured with the interface,wherein the interface bracket rigidly engages the fastener such that,after introduction of the interface into the adapter assembly guide theequipment remains aligned with the base plate assembly and is immovablerelative thereto.
 52. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 50, wherein the adapter assembly further comprises: a fasteneradapted to engage equipment; and an interface bracket coupled with theinterface, the interface bracket being selectively engageable with afirst side of the fastener and a second side of the fastener, whereinthe interface bracket is removable from the second side of the fastenerand engageable with the first side of the fastener for a right handedconfiguration, further wherein the interface bracket is removable fromthe first side of the fastener and engageable with the second side ofthe fastener for a left handed configuration.
 53. The retention systemfor equipment according to claim 50, wherein the base plate includes aplunger channel, a locking assembly channel communicating with theplunger channel, and an aperture communicating with the locking assemblychannel.
 54. The retention system for equipment according to claim 53,wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a locking assembly disposed inthe locking assembly channel and biased to extend through the aperturesuch that the locking assembly engages the interface; and a plungercommunicating with the locking assembly, the plunger disposed in theplunger channel and extending therefrom, wherein movement of the plungermoves the locking assembly from the aperture such that the lockingassembly disengages from the interface.
 55. The retention system forequipment according to claim 54, wherein insertion of the interface ofthe adapter assembly into the adapter assembly guide depresses thelocking assembly until the interface aligns with the aperture of thebase plate.
 56. The retention system for equipment according to claim54, wherein the plunger includes a ward engagement key and the plungerchannel includes a ward, further wherein the ward limits the movement ofthe plunger relative to the locking assembly.
 57. The retention systemfor equipment according to claim 54, wherein the locking assemblycomprises: a hinge pin; a latch pivotable about the hinge pin; and abiasing member that biases the latch to extend through the aperture suchthat the latch engages the interface, wherein movement of the plungerrelative to the latch overcomes the biasing force of the biasing memberand moves the latch from the aperture such that the latch disengagesfrom the interface.
 58. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 54, wherein the base plate assembly further comprises a back platesecurable with the base plate to maintain the plunger within the plungerchannel and the locking assembly within the locking assembly channel.59. The retention system for equipment according to claim 50, wherein:the interface is triangular in shape having a width and defining a baseat a first upper end and a rounded apex at a second lower end, whereinthe interface tapers from the first upper end to the second lower endsuch that the base at the first upper end is wider than the rounded apexat the second lower end, further wherein the rounded apex at the secondend provides a point of insertion for the interface; and the adapterassembly guide includes a first guide rail having a first upper portionand a second lower portion opposed to a second guide rail having a firstupper portion and a second lower portion, the first and second guiderails defining a funnel shape whereby their first upper portions taperto their second lower portions, wherein the first upper portions arewider than the base at the first upper end of the interface of theadapter assembly to provide an entrance for the rounded apex at thesecond lower end of the interface between the first and second guiderails and further to funnel the interface toward the second lowerportions whereby the interface due to the rounded apex at the secondlower end enters the second lower portions, further wherein the firstand second guide rails taper along their second lower portions and arespaced apart at their second lower portions substantially the same asthe width of the interface of the adapter assembly such that the firstand second guide rails engage the interface thereby coupling the adapterassembly with the base plate assembly.
 60. The retention system forequipment according to claim 59, wherein the first and second guiderails each define a groove that engages the interface of the adapterassembly to maintain the adapter assembly seated between the first andsecond guide rails.
 61. The retention system for equipment according toclaim 59, wherein the adapter assembly guide includes a stop thatarrests the insertion of the interface of the adapter assembly therein.